Cost of Living: Orlando, FL vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Orlando

Florida
115
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Orlando is 28% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,650/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 24%
$69,268/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 27%
$359,000 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 30%
$1,621/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 7%
311,732
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

28.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orlando, FL and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $390/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $4,680/year.

Median household income is $19,048/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orlando is $359,000 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Orlando residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Orlando vs Elgin — common questions

Is Orlando or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orlando and Elgin?
Median rent in Orlando is $1,650/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $390/month.
Which city has higher income, Orlando or Elgin?
Median household income is $69,268 in Orlando and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $19,048/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Illinois?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Orlando or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Orlando has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,650/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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